Susan Jones got her dream home (and a new career) after a major overhaul and some fearless paint choices.

Lavender Living Room

Lavender Living Room

When Susan and Tom Jones met their 1930s Colonial, it wasn't exactly love at first sight. After the couple bought the place in 2005, an inspection revealed that the wiring—all of it—was faulty. So down came the walls, along with more than a few creature comforts. And—a hallelujah moment for her—the clean slate provided a chance to layer on character that the home sorely lacked.